does anyone know for certain whether particular schools will “superscore” the SSAT? Would a low score on a sub-section on a previous test hurt, even if the superscore is very high? That is, will they hold a low score against you or truly just superscore and give you the benefit? Thanks.
No one answered…
No one knows for sure. It comes down to how many applicants who are otherwise just as qualified as you are, and how “picky” the school can afford to be. That being said, know that your SSAT scores will be looked at “section by section” more than the total score. So if you consistently get a low score in a section through multiple sittings, the it could be a concern.
It depends on the school. I was told by a secondary school advisor that some have a data entry person who puts in the top scores and that is all adcom sees. Exeter does not super score. They take all scores into consideration.
All of the schools that I applied to allowed me to superscore: NMH, Taft, Hkiss, PA, Choate, Berkshire, Putney, MX, Milton
We asked this question in our interviews and each one said that they would, at the very least “consider all subscores.” GMCkid had consistent scores: low math vs. high verbal & reading every single time. For one sitting however, he scored much higher in verbal/reading (high 90s) so his overall score shot up. Math stayed low (high 60s!), and it wasn’t his highest (he scored low 70s on an earlier test) but we ended up just sending in that one set of scores. I felt that his high verbal scores were indicative of his abilities, and math, well… math is his weakness. Not much we could do about that! I know that his low math score hurt him at Cate for sure, but was not as much of a factor at other schools when I asked after the fact.
I would take the test 2 or 3 times and then worry about which ones to send once you have them all in front of you. Many of us on this board have been down this road before, so when the time comes, we would be happy to help you decide which ones to send. Definitely consider your overall score however, when deciding which schools to apply to & looking at their averages. I wouldn’t assume a superscored average for that exercise.
You might also consider taking the ISEE as it is a little different than the SSAT. Most BS accept the ISEE even if they say they prefer the SSAT.
^Yes, and if that score is much better than your SSAT, just send in the ISEE. They wouldn’t know about your SSAT score. Or vice versa.
I feel the ISEE had higher level math but easier verbal/reading sections. SSAT had easier math (I don’t think remember a single question above Algebra I) and harder verbal/reading.
Maybe look at the differences and evaluate which one suits you best.
I Remember my SSAT having basic geometry and some simplifying of radicals. That’s as hard as it got.
I regret not superscoring!! So hope you guys won’t be too busy having fun at BS next fall to give us these insights about scores and the whole process!!! Already we are missing you !
What is superscoring?
Superscoring is picking your best Verbal and best Quant scores from different test dates. I honestly don’t think SSAT scores make that much of a difference once you’ve cleared a threshold that indicates you can handle the academics at the school to which you are applying.